Quick answer
In Tofino, walk Long Beach, take a surf lesson, hike the Rainforest Trails, book a whale- or bear-watching tour, and take a boat or floatplane to Hot Springs Cove. In winter (November to March), storm watching is the highlight. Plan at least three days to fit in the beaches, a tour and some of the excellent local seafood.
- Where
- Vancouver Island’s west coast, BC
- From Nanaimo
- Just under 3 hours’ drive
- Summer
- Busiest; book early
- Storm season
- November to March
- Park pass
- Needed in Pacific Rim NPR
- Lifeguards
- None on local beaches
1. Walk Long Beach
More than 16 km of sand inside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Remember to display a Parks Canada pass when you park. See our Tofino beach guide.
2. Take a surf lesson
Tourism Tofino calls the town Canada’s surfing capital, and its sandy beach breaks suit beginners. Lessons include a thick wetsuit, which you’ll need: water is about 7 to 14°C.
3. Hike the Rainforest Trails
Two 1 km boardwalk loops through old-growth cedar and hemlock. More options in our Tofino hiking guide.
4. Go whale watching
Gray whales pass the coast on their spring migration, with March a key month per Parks Canada. Tours run from spring into fall.
5. Go bear watching
Boat tours watch black bears foraging along the shoreline at low tide, generally from spring to early fall.
6. Visit Hot Springs Cove
Natural hot springs reached only by boat or floatplane, then a 2 km boardwalk. See BC Parks for rules and advisories.
7. Watch winter storms
November to March brings big Pacific swells. Watch from the Kwisitis Visitor Centre deck or a safe distance up the beach.
8. Visit the Kwisitis Visitor Centre
Exhibits, a replica longhouse and a viewing deck at the south end of Wickaninnish Beach. Check seasonal hours.
9. Walk the Big Tree Trail on Meares Island
Take a water taxi to Tla-o-qui-aht’s Meares Island Tribal Park to see ancient cedars.
10. Catch sunset at Tonquin Beach
A short trail from town leads to one of the best sunset spots. Bring a headlamp for the walk back.
11. Explore tidepools at Cox Bay and Chesterman
Check tide tables and go at low tide. Don’t walk onto Frank Island off Chesterman: it’s private property.
12. See the Roy Henry Vickers Gallery
Work by the renowned artist, in the Eagle Aerie building on Campbell Street.
13. Visit the Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens
Twelve acres of gardens at the Clayoquot Campus, formerly the Tofino Botanical Gardens.
14. Eat local seafood
From the original Tacofino truck to tasting menus overlooking the surf. See where to eat seafood in Tofino.
15. Day trip to Ucluelet
About 40 km south: walk the Wild Pacific Trail and, in season, visit the Ucluelet Aquarium.
On a rainy day
Rain is common, especially in winter. Pick the Rainforest Trails (the forest is beautiful in the wet), the Kwisitis Visitor Centre, galleries and the Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Museum, or storm watching.
A 3-day Tofino itinerary
- Day 1: arrive, walk Chesterman or tinwis beach, sunset at Tonquin Beach, dinner in town.
- Day 2: surf lesson in the morning; afternoon in the park on the Rainforest Trails and Long Beach; Kwisitis Visitor Centre.
- Day 3: whale-watching, bear-watching or Hot Springs Cove tour; galleries before you leave.
What to pack
- Waterproof jacket and quick-drying layers in every season
- Shoes with grip for wet boardwalks
- Headlamp
- Credit card for park parking machines
- Winter tires or chains if driving between October and spring
Build a full list with our packing list generator, and plan your route with how to get from Vancouver to Tofino. Where to stay: Tofino B&Bs and small inns.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Tofino?
Three days covers the highlights; add a day or two if you want to surf, relax or wait out bad weather for a boat tour.
When is the best time to visit Tofino?
Summer has the most settled weather and the biggest crowds. Spring brings whale migration. November to March is storm season, quieter and moodier.
Sources checked November 2026: Parks Canada, BC Parks, Tourism Tofino.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
